However, 20 forest companies do populate the Top 100 and three mining companies can be found in the Top 25.

"All industries move in cycles," Forgacs said in an exclusive interview from his office in Vancouver. "Were doing well right now, while other sectors are currently experiencing more challenging times."

The magazine also ranks Intrawest as the No. 13 public company in B.C., up from No. 15 a year ago. This ranking is based on net income.

Intrawests net income increased by $27.4 million to $77.9 million in 2000 and its earnings per share rose from $1.43 to $1.80.

According to
BC Business
, the real estate and resort company is the 12
th
most profitable in the province, with its net income accounting for 6.4 per cent of revenues. Telus Corp. is rated No. 1.

Intrawest, which employs 4,000 people in B.C., is the 11
th
top employer in the province. The Jim Pattison Group is ranked No. 1 with 14,500 employees.

"When the company is doing well, thats good news for the communities where Intrawest is a significant employer," said Forgacs. "It shows stability."

Intrawest owns resorts around the globe and has assets of $2.58 billion. The companys major shareholder is TAL Global Asset Management Inc., which owns 15.3 per cent.